Wearable prompting objects

ABSTRACT

A prompting system in which articles such as charms on a charm bracelet are used to prompt a wearer to recall an item or to perform a behavior is disclosed. The user identifies one or more prompting articles from a library or collection of such items and reversibly attaches them to, for example, a bracelet. Throughout the day momentarily attending to the bracelet will remind the wearer of tasks to be accomplished or behaviors to be practiced or mentally practiced. Preferably, the library or collection is comprised predominantly of charms having a theme. Such themes may include, for example, yoga poses, tai chi forms, baseball actions, and common household tasks and chores.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of this application pertains to devices and methodsfor using such devices to communicate and memorize a list of items orbehaviors. In particular, the subject matter of this applicationpertains to wearable objects comprising symbols representing actions tobe visualized and memorized, and the use of such objects. Even morespecifically, the subject matter of this application pertains tobracelets comprising symbols wherein each symbol is representative of apose, movement, or instruction to be conducted by the wearer. The weareruses the symbols as memory aids or as prompts for creative visualizationof the indicated pose, movement, or instructions.

BACKGROUND

Neuroscientists have defined several forms of human memory depending onthe type of information. Of these, one of particular interest to thesubject matter of this application is “procedural memory.”

Procedural memory, sometimes called muscle memory or motor memory, isthe memory of how to do things. It differs from some other types ofmemory in that a conscious recall of information is not necessary. Onedoesn't think about how to do things they've done hundreds or thousandsof times. A baseball player doesn't have to think about how to hold thebat or where to put their feet when hitting because the player has beenat bat so many times that these behaviors are almost automatic.Similarly, martial artists don't have to think about how to counter astrike as dedicated practice has primed their bodies to respond almostreflexively.

Procedural memory also keeps people from having to think about how towalk, brush their teeth, sign their name, and do innumerable other“ingrained” behaviors.

Procedural memories are formed and strengthened by practice, and as anyteacher or coach will reiterate, “practice makes perfect.”

Of course, it's not possible for someone to always be able to practiceand gaps between practice sessions can hinder progress. Some canincrease their acquisition rate by making use of visualizationtechniques. In such “mental practice” sessions one imagines orvisualizes themselves performing the actions instead of doing them.Studies have shown such visualization can improve performance. E.g.,Druckman, D., & Swets, J. A. (Eds.). (1988). Enhancing humanperformance. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press.; Hall, E. G., &Erffmeyer, E. S. (1983). The effect of visuo-motor behavior rehearsalwith videotaped modeling on free throw accuracy of intercollegiatefemale basketball players. Journal of Sport Psychology, 5, 343-346.Conversely, performance can degrade after imagining poor outcomes. E.g.,Woolfolk, R. L., Murphy, S. M., Gottesfeld, D. & Aitken, D. (1985).Effects of mental rehearsal of task motor activity and mental depictionof task outcome on motor skill performance. Journal of Sport Psychology,7, 191-197.

Although mental practice can be beneficial, it also needs to beregularly performed to be most effective, and without prompting manypeople may forget to do it. Also, just knowing that mental practice isneeded, doesn't help if the practitioner doesn't know what to practice.For example, when learning a chain of behaviors such as a series ofdance moves, yoga pose sequences, a karate kata, or tai chi forms, apractitioner may need to be reminded which behavior occurs at each pointof the chain in addition to a general prompt to visualize theirperformance.

SUMMARY

The subject matter of this application pertains to methods of providinga reminding system prompting users to engage in a behavior or recall anitem from a list of items. In particular, it discloses a wearableobject, such as a chain or bracelet, to which one attaches additionalobjects such as memory prompting beads or charms, as well as the use ofsuch a wearable object to remind and encourage users to recall an itemor to engage in a behavior or behaviors, such as mental practice of abehavior or sequence of behaviors.

One objective of the subject matter of this application is to provide awearable prompting object comprising one or more symbols representinginstructions or reminders for the wearer. Another objective is toprovide a decorative wearable prompting object that superficiallyappears to be a simple piece or jewelry such as, e.g., a charm bracelet.Another objective is to provide a wearable prompting object comprisingone or more ideograms. Another objective of the subject matter of thisapplication is to provide such a wearable object comprising ideograms inwhich the user can add or remove ideograms to represent a list of itemsor sequence of behaviors.

The device and method disclosed in this application meet theseobjectives. The subject matter of this application comprises a piece ofjewelry or similar adornment such as a chain comprising, at least, oneideogram pendant selected from a library of ideogram pendants. Theideogram pendants each represent an event, or preferably a behavior orbehaviors. The user can reversibly attach, remove, or replace thependants on the jewelry to represent a chain of behaviors. Morecomplicated behaviors may be modeled by adding additional pendants to apendant attached to the chain.

To use the device as a memory prompt, the user places the desiredideogram pendants on the chain and wears the chain, most commonly as abracelet. When the user is not otherwise occupied, glancing at thebracelet prompts the user to engage in mental practice of the behaviorrepresented by the pendant. A number of ideogram pendants can be placedon the chain in the sequence their respective behaviors are to occur. Inthis way, the user is not only prompted to mentally practice individualbehaviors, but to also mentally practice moving from one behavior to thenext. Unlike other objects intended to remind the user of something,such as a string around a finger, the use of ideograms prevents the userfrom forgetting what the prompt represents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a preferred embodiment with one ideogram.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a preferred embodiment comprising multipleideograms representing a series of behaviors.

FIG. 3 is a sample library of ideograms for use with the subject matterof this application.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a preferred manner to use thedisclosed prompting aid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following description and drawings referenced therein illustrateembodiments of the application's subject matter. They are not intendedto limit the scope. Those familiar with the art will recognize thatother embodiments of the disclosed method are possible. For example, analternative embodiment of the subject matter of this applicationcomprises memory prompting beads strung on a cord or chain and worn by auser. Another alternative embodiment comprises a plurality of memoryprompting beads or charms which may interlock or attach to other memoryprompting beads or charms to form a loop. All such alternativeembodiments should be considered within the scope of the application'sdisclosure.

Each reference number consists of three digits. The first digitcorresponds to the figure number in which that reference number is firstshown. Reference numbers are not necessarily discussed in the order oftheir appearance in the figures.

The subject matter of this application pertains to a prompting devicecomprising a supporting member and at least one supported member. In apreferred embodiment, the supporting member is a piece of jewelry orother adornment capable of being worn by a user. In the most preferredembodiment, this supporting member is a bracelet. Supported members areobjects comprising ideograms representing a behavior or instruction. Ina most preferred embodiment, the supported members are icons or charms.For simplicity, the supporting member will be referred to as a chain orbracelet and the supported members will be referred to as charms. Theseword choices are for the sake of simplicity and should not be determinedto narrow the scope of the claims and should be given their widestpossible meaning in the light of the disclosure. Ideograms are symbolsor characters that represent an idea or concept, independent oflanguage. Some might only be understood by those with familiarity withthe convention or subject. Some have a graphical resemblance to whatthey convey and might be called pictograms. The term ideogram is used inits broadest sense. In most useful embodiments of the subject matter ofthis application a charm comprises an ideogram as described, thereforeunless otherwise clearly distinguished by its context; references to“charms” and “ideograms” should be understood to refer to both the charmitself and an ideogram emblazoned on the charm.

The prompting device comprises a bracelet (101) and at least one charm(102). The bracelet comprises at least one first segment of a twosegment reversible attachment system (shown as a link of the bracelet in103). Each charm comprises an ideogram (104) representing a behavior orinstruction and a second segment of a two segment reversible attachmentsystem (105). Each charm may optionally further comprise a first segmentof a two segment reversible attachment system (106). As an example, thecharm shown in FIG. 1 comprises an ideogram representing a baseballplayer in batting stance (104). The two segment reversible attachmentsystems are preferably those commonly referred to as jewelry clasps andinclude such clasp styles as without limitation, toggle clasps, triggerclasps, swivel slaps, lobster clasps, barrel clasps, and magneticclasps.

In most preferred embodiments, the bracelet comprises a plurality offirst segments of two segment reversible attachment systems (representedby a link of the bracelet at 103, but may be another suitable jewelryfinding as noted) each of which may attach to a charm (e.g., 102)comprising a second segment of a two segment reversible attachmentsystem (105). Each of the charms in FIG. 2 represents a yoga pose, andwhen read counter-clockwise, beginning with 201, these charms illustratethe yoga sequence Sun Salutation A: Equal Standing (201), Upward Stretch(202), Forward Bend (203), Half Forward Bend (204), Low Plank (205),Cobra (206), Downward Dog (207), Half Forward Bend (208), Forward Bend(209), Upward Stretch (210), and Equal Standing (211). The charms'optional first segment of a two segment reversible attachment system(106) is omitted in charms 208 and 210. Optionally, charms withideograms representing non-pose yoga instructions such as, e.g.,breathing patterns may also be attached. These breathing patterns are animportant aspect of yoga poses and sequences, but may be more difficultto remember for beginners than the poses themselves. Further, somecharms (e.g., 212) may be attached to the bracelet or to another charmto indicate the desired number of repetitions of the pose or behavior.For example, the attachment of a non-pose instructional ideogram charm(212) to another charm (e.g., 206) may indicate to repeat the behaviorprompted by the charm (206) three times. Another example is a non-poseinstructional ideogram charm (213) reminding the user to perform acertain breathing behavior during the behavior prompted by the nextclockwise charm (210).

FIG. 3 illustrates a sample library of charms comprising ideogramsrepresenting some of the most common yoga poses: Equal Standing (201),Upward Stretch (202), Forward Bend (203), Half Forward Bend (204), LowPlank (205), Cobra (206), Downward Dog (207), Boat Pose (301), Child'sPose (302), Extended Side Angle Pose (303), Fierce Pose (304), LotusPose (305), Plow Pose (306), Reclining Big Toe Pose (307), RestorativeCorpse Pose with Bolster (308), Revolved Head-To-Knee Pose (309), SeatedForward Bend (310), Shoulder Stand (311), Staff Pose (312), TrianglePose (313), Warrior I (314). Additional charms are intended to beuser-defined and may be used to either modify one of the other charms inthe library or represent a desired prompt not otherwise included in thelibrary (e.g., 212, 315, 316, 317, 213, 318, 319). In a most preferredembodiment, a library of charms is comprised primarily of at least oneset of charms sharing one or more themes. Such themes may include, forexample, yoga poses, tai chi forms, baseball actions, and commonhousehold tasks and chores. A library of charms may comprise more thanone such themed set of charms.

Such charms may be reversibly attached to the bracelet as required bythe user.

The illustrated basic yoga library is only one such library and theideograms may be, and represent, nearly anything the user needs. Forexample, tai chi practitioners may benefit from a library comprisingideograms representing the 24 forms of the simplified Yang style, andfitness athletes may benefit from a library of ideograms representingcertain resistance and aerobic exercises. Additionally, libraries may becreated to represent routine tasks (inter alia, go to store, pick up drycleaning, make car appointment, etc.; or for perhaps children: dohomework, wash dishes, vacuum living room, etc.; or for perhaps those inassisted living facilities: wash, take medications, select mealoptions), or anything else that a user might want or need to remember.

In most preferred embodiments, many of the ideograms have a graphicalresemblance to the behavior they prompt. For example, to continue theyoga example, the pose “downward dog” is represented in FIG. 3 by asimple human form bent at the waist with straight arms, back, and legs.Of course, other behaviors may not be capable of being clearly showngraphically so some ideograms (such as, e.g., prompting breathing orfocusing behaviors) may need to be more abstract and require the user tocommit their meaning to memory.

Any library may further comprise one or more charms comprising moreabstract, indeterminate ideograms, which the user can define as desired.For example, if a yoga teacher incorporates a more advanced or unusualpose into a sequence, the user may select an indeterminate charm torepresent this pose.

It is not necessary that the charms are all the same shape or size;certain embodiments may attach meaning to different physicalcharacteristics of the charms independent of any ideogram. For example,a circular charm and square charm may have different meanings even ifboth comprise an identical ideogram. Further, in some embodiments theshape of the charm itself has meaning even in the absence of anideogram.

Additionally, such a library as illustrated in FIG. 3 may also comprise“modifying charms,” which modify the meaning of other charms. Forexample, a modifying charm comprising the number “3” attached to, oradjacent to, the baseball player ideogram shown in FIG. 1 may mean“repeat mental practice three times.” Other examples of modifying charmsmay be those that indicate a charm's prompt has been completed or shouldbe duplicated.

One preferred method of using the subject matter of this application isillustrated in the chart of FIG. 4.

To use the subject matter of this application, the user first decideswhich behaviors are to be prompted for practice and selects the charm orcharms representative of these behaviors. The charms are reversiblyattached to the bracelet in the order which the user intends to performthe behaviors and the bracelet is worn as any non-prompting similarobjects would be worn. The user goes about their day while wearing thesubject matter of this application which appears to the uninitiated tobe a normal piece of jewelry. When the user does not otherwise need toattend to something, perhaps when standing in a queue, the user may lookat the charms on the bracelet and select one that represents a behaviorto be practiced. As described, most preferably the ideogram graphicallyresembles the action or pose, although such is not necessarily the case.The user is then prompted to engage in mental practice of the behavior.The user may imagine themselves engaging in the entire behavior (e.g.,moving from one position into the position represented by the ideogram)or some component of it (e.g., maintaining a steady pose while raisingone leg off the ground). The user may also reflect on two or moreideograms and mentally practice moving from one to the other. In thisway, one could mentally practice an entire sequence of behaviors, andcommit the sequence to memory without necessarily engaging in actualpractice. Such mental practice may also increase acquisition ofprocedural memories and of chains of multiple individual proceduralmemories.

Although the prompting of mental practice sessions is a primaryobjective of the subject matter of this application, the discloseddevice and method may also be useful for prompting actual practice. Auser would only need to glance at their bracelet to see what poses orbehaviors should be practiced, and be reminded of what poses orbehaviors follow.

In fact, although the examples have largely concerned behaviors,particularly physical behaviors that can be mentally practiced, thedisclosed prompting bracelet may be used to remind the user of nearlyanything. Ideogram-bearing charms could represent common household tasksor items. For example, a library of charms could comprise charms fori.a., “dry cleaning,” “groceries,” “eldest child,” “youngest child,”“music,” and “football,” and a user could place such charms on thebracelet to remind them to e.g., pick up the dry cleaning and getgroceries for the youngest child's football game. Also, althoughpreferably the ideograms bear a graphical similarity to what theyrepresent, such is not necessarily the case. A user may select a charmand assign it any meaning they wish.

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 10. A device wornby a user for representing and prompting the mental rehearsal ofbehaviors, or for the recollection of items or tasks comprising a stripof material which surrounds a portion of the body of the user, and whichcomprises one or more attachment points whereby items may be reversiblyattached along the length of the strip, at least one primary itemcomprising an attachment means, said attachment means reversiblyattached to one of the attachment points of the strip of material, saidprimary item further comprising an attachment point for reversiblyattaching an additional item, and a least one secondary item comprisingan attachment means, said attachment means reversibly attached to theattachment point of a primary item.
 11. The device of claim 10 whereinthe strip of material is an item of jewelry, the primary item is acharm, and the secondary item is a charm.
 12. The device of claim 10wherein the strip of material is a bracelet, the primary item is acharm, and the secondary item is a charm.
 13. The device of claim 10wherein the strip of material is a bracelet, the primary item is a charmcomprising an ideogram, and the secondary item is a charm comprising anideogram.
 14. A method for prompting the recollection of items orbehaviors represented by ideograms comprising the steps of: selecting afirst charm comprising an ideogram, reversibly attaching the first charmto a bracelet, selecting a second charm comprising an ideogram,reversibly attaching the second charm to the first charm, wearing saidbracelet, receiving tactile and visual feedback from said bracelet andusing said feedback as a reminder of the items or behaviors representedby the ideogram of the first charm and the ideogram of the second charm.